Although the race is called the Southend Half you're actually running near Shoeburyness. This a flat course, bar one uphill bit near mile 11, so has PB potential. The support along the sea front section, where you run out and back twice, was great and I like it when you have runners going past to shout encouragement to each other. Plenty of water stops and also appreciated the sponge stations, although at one point they ran out because it was very hot. There were pacers from the local running club for those who were chasing a certain time.

There was ample parking at the race village. As I left a bit later than normal I missed the queues getting out, which could have been marshalled to ease the congestion. I didn't have any issues with the toilet queues as I arrived early at race HQ. As I bought my own post race refreshments I didn't really explore what was on offer. The race medal was a nice shell design to reflect us being near the coast.